STI falls 0.4% on geopolitical uncertainties

CAUTION appears to be the watchword as disappointing corporate earnings and revived US-China trade tensions threw Singapore stocks into a funk on Tuesday.

In line with most markets in Asia, the benchmark Straits Times Index opened in the red and remained depressed throughout the day. It shed 0.37 per cent or 11.81 points to 3,187.69 at the closing bell.

Losers outnumbered gainers 241 to 135 after 1.72 billion shares worth S$1.15 billion changed hands. Financials, the bourse's heavyweights, contributed to losses. UOB shed 1.16 per cent to S$25.53 while OCBC Bank declined 1.04 per cent to S$11.40. Great Eastern slipped 1.05 per cent to S$26.42.